People are more self-dependent than ever. Does your car need some repairs? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more accessible. Does that mean you’ll never need a professional ever again?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and grab a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are some real disadvantages. As a matter of fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
Hearing loss symptoms
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. In many cases, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Having to continually turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s often missed.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. If you start to experience a great number of people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at dinner with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with discussions. You should certainly pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a pretty strong sign of hearing loss.
Needless to say, these symptoms are not always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be a bit different. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Perhaps you should go out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without having an eye exam? In the majority of circumstances, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. For this reason, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you might not even know you have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and purchase a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need assistance with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- The ability to help you personalize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- When you have problems using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and make sure you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!